$20 for John Lobb shoe polish . . . how good can it be?

pocketprotector · Jan 7, 2011

I wanted to buy a really good polish for my Edward Greens and can't get EG brand locally but I can get polish from the local JL shop. Does anyone know if this is just a gigantic markup or if the stuff really is better than a $4 polish?

pebblegrain · Jan 7, 2011

EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi

deveandepot1 · Jan 7, 2011

Originally Posted by pebblegrain

EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
EG uses kiwi
+1. I have heard the same thing.

I have a feeling 90% of the polish out there is made by Kiwi.

Mudhiker · Jan 7, 2011

And Meltonian is made by Kiwi (Sara Lee Household and Body Care) as well.

Raoul Duke · Jan 7, 2011

I don't really understand the fuss with all these expensive wax and polishes. I use kiwi wax and meltonian cream. Works great, and they are only a couple bucks per tin/jar.

JayJay · Jan 7, 2011

Originally Posted by Raoul Duke

I don't really understand the fuss with all these expensive wax and polishes. I use kiwi wax and meltonian cream. Works great, and they are only a couple bucks per tin/jar.
JL is good, but not significantly better than cheaper polishes. I now use cheaper polishes with good results.

DerekS · Jan 7, 2011

Ive always heard Kiwi has a lot more alcohol in it and over time can dry out the leather. (Elvis at the Nordstrom shoe shine stand told me this.) Ive used Lincoln for as long as ive been polishing shoes. less alcohol, and gives a great shine.

KObalto · Jan 7, 2011

Isn't JL polish just re-badged Saphir? You can order cheaper from Franco's of Richmond (Ron Rider of the forum).

rebel222 · Jan 7, 2011

Originally Posted by KObalto

Isn't JL polish just re-badged Saphir? You can order cheaper from Franco's of Richmond (Ron Rider of the forum).

+1

patrickBOOTH · Jan 7, 2011

I really don't understand people's gripe about "expensive" polishes. It is like buying a Ferarri and putting regular gas in it. So you buy $1,200 shoes and complain about buying $20 polish probably once per year if that. Whether it is a fact that the silicones in cheap polish can harm leather or not, why risk it? Just buy the best polish you cheap bastards.

deadly7 · Jan 7, 2011

Originally Posted by DerekS

Ive always heard Kiwi has a lot more alcohol in it and over time can dry out the leather. (Elvis at the Nordstrom shoe shine stand told me this.) Ive used Lincoln for as long as ive been polishing shoes. less alcohol, and gives a great shine.

I've been using Kiwi on a pair of shoes for 5+ years. I haven't noticed the leather to be dry, it still feels very supple. :\\

GBer · Jan 7, 2011

Buy Saphir and don't pay for the JL name. I use Saphir/ JL on my shoes and boots and I am happy with the results. Would be shameful to use some junk on $1000+ shoes/ boots and ruin them.

I'm not sure that the EG wax is Kiwi. Compared the two and they seem a bit different.

Will · Jan 7, 2011

JL definitely repackages Saphir products, which according to the professional shiners that tested the products I gave them definitely gives a glossier shine in less time than the Kiwi they normally use. It also offers more protection to the leather.

See the complete line of Saphir products at the ASW store.

ktrp · Jan 7, 2011

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

I really don't understand people's gripe about "expensive" polishes. It is like buying a Ferarri and putting regular gas in it. So you buy $1,200 shoes and complain about buying $20 polish probably once per year if that. Whether it is a fact that the silicones in cheap polish can harm leather or not, why risk it? Just buy the best polish you cheap bastards.

If people weren't willing to buy $20 polish, they'd buy kiwi.

I guess what people really want to know is, is the $20 polish even slightly different? In some cases, its just rebadged.

GBer · Jan 7, 2011

If you can spend $1000+ on shoes/ boots, $20 wax should not be an issue

$20 for John Lobb shoe polish . . . how good can it be?

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